27/V. 12.

Dear Mama! Yesterday evening I arrived in Paris from a small trip on business 306
and found your letter with the sad news about Anya and Manyasha 307. I am convinced that they will not be able to hold them for long: the absurdity of such an arrest is too obvious. It has come to the point that Anyuta is told directly: it won't be for long! Probably, in these present times in the provinces they grab people completely at random, "just in case."

Do you have acquaintances, my dear? Is anyone visiting you? The worst and most difficult thing in such cases is the sudden loneliness. Are there any letters and news from Mark and Mitya?

Is there no one among acquaintances in Petersburg? It would be useful to write to them, if there are any, about the incident; perhaps they will make inquiries. Sometimes provincial administrators become excessively zealous, especially now, after May 1st.

I embrace you warmly, my dear, and wish you health and good spirits.

Your V. U.

P. S. As for summer we still have not decided. For now it is not hot.

in the journal

Sent from Paris to Saratov

First published in 1930

*Proletarskaya Revolyutsiya* No. 4

Printed from the manuscript